🔥 Breaking news: Russia and Ukraine have both announced a temporary ceasefire to coincide with Russia's Victory Day commemorations, giving the world a brief glimmer of hope as diplomatic signals swirl around the celebrations.
On May 8‑9, Russia will observe a truce marking the 81st anniversary of the victory in the Great Patriotic War—Victory Day. President Vladimir Putin ordered the ceasefire, saying Russian forces would take ‘all necessary measures’ to keep the commemorations safe, while warning that any disruption could trigger a ‘massive missile strike’ on central Kyiv. Moscow also urged civilians and foreign diplomats in Kyiv to leave the city for the duration.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded with his own timeline, saying Ukraine would start its ceasefire at midnight on May 5‑6. ‘Peace cannot wait until ‘parades’ and ‘celebrations’,’ he wrote, adding that Ukraine was ready to halt hostilities from that point onward. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha echoed the call, urging international partners to support the move.
Despite the parallel announcements, it’s still unclear if the two sides’ timings and conditions line up, leaving questions about whether a coordinated pause will actually happen. The world watches nervously, hoping the temporary lull might open a door to longer‑term talks. 🕊️
Reference(s):
Russia, Ukraine declare ceasefire around Victory Day commemorations
cgtn.com
